News

Graduate shortlisted for National Diversity Award

LLB graduate honoured with nomination at 2014 National Diversity Awards

Date:

08/08/2014

Tunde Okewale, who graduated with a LLB Law (Hons) from the Faculty of Business & Law, has been nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for Age at the 2014 National Diversity Awards. Over 21,000 nominations were received this for year’s Awards, paying tribute to inspirational individuals and groups nationwide that have dedicated their lives to enhancing the equality agenda.

Tunde was one of the youngest people to be called to the Bar at 24 years old, and was the first person in his family to attend university. Tunde's dedication to his studies and hard work was eventually awarded with a meritorious scholarship to attend Bar School. He is now a practicing Barrister at one of the top Chambers in the country, Doughty Street Chambers.

Furthermore Tunde has an impressive work history and has previously worked as a Legal Adviser to The Citizens Inquiry into the London riots and was a member of the Southwark Youth Crime Prevention Board. Althea Smith, former Mayor of Southwark, describes him as, “an outstanding example of dedication, altruism and commitment to the community. He is an exemplary illustration of someone who has never forgotten his humble beginnings and always shared his education, skills, resources and accomplishments with the disadvantaged, apathetic and unpopular.”

Continuing to excel in his field, Tunde has gone on to receive numerous awards and accolades, based on his exemplary work and sustained social involvement. Most notably he founded Urban Lawyers; a multimedia education and information resource designed to educate, engage and stimulate discussion amongst young people about their attitudes towards criminal law, policing and personal responsibility. The project provides information to disaffected young people and communities who would not otherwise have access to or be able to comprehend said information, as well as providing information on how to secure work and/or experience in the legal profession.

Tunde said, “it is such an honor to be shortlisted. Awards such as these are important as they shine a spotlight on people who would otherwise be overlooked. It gives ordinary people the opportunity to get recognition for the extraordinary work they do.”